Zamfara regulates fuel sales, closes markets to curb banditry

In his bid to curb activities of bandits unleashing terror in Zamfara State, Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle has directed all fuel stations not to sell above N10, 000 fuel for individuals in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Mr. Zailani Bappa in a statement, said all filling stations in the state are “banned from selling fuel, except in Gusau and the 14 local councils headquarters. In addition, no eligible filling station is allowed to sell fuel of more that N10, 000 to a single customer.”

Bappa added that the sale of fuel in jerry cans should be disallowed in all filling stations, while roadside purchases, popularly known as black market are entirely banned.

He said the “Governor further announced that all weekly markets across the state are suspended, but normal market activities of buying and selling for local consumption are exempted from the ban.

“The Governor further ordered that the transportation of livestock to and from the state is henceforth suspended, while the transportation of food within and outside the state must be verified to authenticate its destination. Otherwise, it will be seized and taken to the orphanage.”

“The new rules further include the banning of riding on motorcycles and tricycles from 6pm to 6am, except the state capital, which starts by 8pm to 6am. Furthermore, any tricycle that is covered will be stopped to verify its passengers, otherwise such tricycle will be apprehended,” he said.

Governor Matawalle reiterated the ban on more than two persons riding on a motorcycle and warned that those who break the law stand the risk of being shot by security operatives.

The Governor called on all citizens in the state to observe the rules to avoid unfortunate incidents, as security operatives will be empowered to treat offenders as suspected bandits. He said a committee would be constituted to enforce compliance to ensure sanity in the communities.